(John McCann, Headline USA) In a surprise drug bust, 50 pounds of the deadly drug fentanyl were seized by U.S border officers. The arrest and seizure took place at the Calexico Port checkpoint along the California/Mexico divide.
Border officers searched a 2014 Ford vehicle seeking entrance into the country. Upon searching the vehicle with K-9 units and x-rays, they discovered a stash of blue-pilled fentanyl worth approximately $658,200. The contraband had been stuffed into the vehicles gas tank, reported Breitbart News.
Lethal in even small doses when mixed with alcohol and/or other hard drugs, fentanyl has become a popular seller for many drug cartels and criminal enterprises. The drug has been at the forefront of the U.S opioid epidemic, and responsible for thousands of overdose deaths.
Anne Maricich, the CBP Deputy Director of Field Operations in San Diego, praised the vigilance of the officers.
“Our officers’ meticulous attention to detail is what continues to keep our communities safe,” Maricich said.
“Smugglers will continue to try different methods of crossing contraband, but we are always one step ahead with our advanced technology.”
The 28-year-old driver, whose name and nationality has not been revealed, was interviewed and promptly handed over to ICE. He/she was later transferred to the El Centro Detention Facility. The drugs and Ford truck were seized and impounded by CBP officials.
The drug trade across the the border has been exacerbated by the heavy flow of illegal aliens. Human trafficking has also been a persistent problem as cartels look to find more effective was to transport their product. Unfortunately, these illicit activities have led to terrible violence on both sides of the border.
CPB and ICE officials are struggling to contain the border crisis and in many places are becoming overwhelmed as thousands swarm the U.S/Mexico boundary on a daily basis.
